Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned Nintendo designer responsible for hits such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario, admitted in an interview with Famitsu magazine, on August 22, 2026, that he rarely plays video games, especially on his own initiative. The experienced gaming industry professional, with a discreet smile, confessed: “I don’t play on my own anymore.” While this statement may be surprising coming from such a prominent figure, it aligns perfectly with Miyamoto’s trajectory and philosophy.

On the same topic: Bride with multiple sclerosis walks down the aisle and dances after two years immobilized

Even without spending his leisure hours with joysticks, Miyamoto keeps a Nintendo Switch at home for a specific reason: his grandchildren. He detailed that, to prevent his grandchildren from playing excessively at home, the console is kept with him. “If you want to play, come to grandpa’s house,” he said. This practice goes beyond a simple way to see them more often, transforming gaming moments into fun collaborations. “The younger ones have difficulty finishing certain titles, so they are happy when we complete the levels together. They are quite scared by the boss in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and I end up playing for them”, he added.

Seeking inspiration outside of video games to create big hits

Miyamoto’s preference for not delving into games in his daily life is not an unprecedented fact for those who follow his career. The designer is widely known for finding ideas and inspiration in experiences outside the digital universe. His affinity for music, for example, influenced the creation of Wii Music; affection for dogs led to the development of Nintendogs; and dedication to his residential garden was the starting point for the emergence of Pikmin. In Miyamoto’s view, everyday reality serves as a creative impulse as relevant as any video game title.

Full coverage: Latest News (EN)

This line of thinking is also reflected in Miyamoto’s approach to recruiting new talent at Nintendo. In 2017, in a conversation with the New York Times, he emphatically stated: “I always look for designers who are not ardent game enthusiasts.” He further added: “My concern is to ensure that they are not just players, but that they have a diversity of interests and skills.” The designer even revealed that some of the professionals he hired over the years had never touched a video game before joining the company.

The recent interview with Famitsu highlights a perspective that Miyamoto has defended for many decades: innovative games do not just emerge from individuals who dedicate countless hours to screens, but rather from people who observe closely, experience life and are fascinated by the environment that surrounds them.